1988 Porsche 944 vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (89 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 944 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Porsche 944 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Porsche 944 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (177 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Porsche 944 | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volvo |
| Model | 944 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
